Jose Mourinho: 'I'll be back in management by end of next month'

Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal pictured in 2010
© Getty Images
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claims that he will be back in management by "June 30" amid talk linking him with the Manchester United job.

Jose Mourinho has reiterated that he fully intends to be managing at a new club by the time next season gets underway.

The Portuguese has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in December following a poor start to the champions' Premier League title defence.

Mourinho is thought to be the frontrunner to replace Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford this summer should the Dutchman be given the boot, but American sports executive Charlie Stillitano - who has held conversations with the ex-Chelsea boss - claims that nothing has yet been agreed between the two parties.

Speaking to reporters in Mexico on Wednesday evening, the 53-year-old made it clear that he fully intends to be back in work this summer and has even set a date for his return.

"There is plenty of time," he said. "In July, I will be back. So we are in May. May to July is nothing. I keep enjoying my life which I'm doing, keep enjoying my family. But in July I am back."

Asked when a contract would need to be signed by, Mourinho replied: "June 30, that's fine."

Recent reports suggest that United were hoping to hold out for another 12 months before offering Mourinho the manager's job.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho during the Champions League match against Porto at Stamford Bridge on December 9, 2015
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